US offers $5 million reward for information on ISIS oil, antiquities trafficking
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The United States Department of State announced a five-million-dollar reward on Thursday for information on Islamic State (ISIS) oil and antiquities trafficking.
“Terrorist groups such as ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) rely on financing and support networks to sustain operations and launch attacks,” read a statement from Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program.
“Ancient and historical coins, jewelry and carved gems, plaques, sculptures, containers, and cuneiform tablets are among the types of Syrian and Iraqi cultural objects that ISIL is seeking,” it added.
ISIS first swept into Iraq in 2014, capturing swathes of the country including Iraq’s second largest city of Mosul.
Despite being territorially defeated in 2017, the terror group has resorted to extorting money from vulnerable rural populations, among other insurgency tactics.
Two ISIS captives were released on Monday for $40,000 after six months of captivity.
“Terrorist groups such as ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) rely on financing and support networks to sustain operations and launch attacks,” read a statement from Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program.
“Ancient and historical coins, jewelry and carved gems, plaques, sculptures, containers, and cuneiform tablets are among the types of Syrian and Iraqi cultural objects that ISIL is seeking,” it added.
Rewards up to $5 Million for information disrupting #ISIS trafficking in oil and antiquities. Help us to stop the flow of terrorists funds to ISIS. If you have info., you could be eligible for a reward. Text RewardforJustice at +1-202-702-7843 via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram. pic.twitter.com/Oy337M9shW
— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USConGenErbil) December 3, 2020
ISIS first swept into Iraq in 2014, capturing swathes of the country including Iraq’s second largest city of Mosul.
Despite being territorially defeated in 2017, the terror group has resorted to extorting money from vulnerable rural populations, among other insurgency tactics.
Two ISIS captives were released on Monday for $40,000 after six months of captivity.